Six Sigma Terminology
If you work in business or manufacturing in any capacity, you've undoubtedly heard of Six Sigma and are aware of the transformative effects its implementation can have on companies in many different sectors. In order to really understand how Six Sigma is able to generate these impressive results, however, you need to be familiar with some of the key principles and the terminology that goes along with them.
What Is Six Sigma?
Originally developed by Motorola in the early 1980s, Six Sigma is a results-driven methodology for reducing waste, errors and variation, thereby improving the efficiency and profitability of business processes. While it was originally designed for application in production and manufacturing, Six Sigma has proven to be effective at eliminating waste throughout the business structure of many different types of companies in every industry.
One of the guiding principles behind Six Sigma is that variation in a process creates waste and errors. Eliminating variation, then, will make that process more efficient, cost-effective and error-free. This may sound like a relatively straightforward concept, but its application in a complex and highly integrated business environment can be far from simple. However, there are many tools that you can learn through formal Six Sigma training that will make this implementation much more manageable and successful.
How to Apply Six Sigma
Whether you are trying to implement Six Sigma throughout an entire organization or using it to improve the performance of your own department, you need to understand its two main project models. The first of these is DMAIC, which stands for: define, measure, analyze, improve and control. The second is DMADV, which represents: define, measure, analyze, design and verify.
DMAIC
DMAIC is used to apply the principles of Six Sigma to existing business processes. For instance, if you are trying to find out how to make a particular process more effective, you would use DMAIC to break down the process into its component parts. Using this Six Sigma model, you would start by defining the problems and project goals, measuring data relating to the current process and analyzing your findings to identify cause-and-effect relationships. The next step involves improving existing processes based on your data analysis. Finally, you need to implement controls to avoid variation in the process going forward.
DMADV
While DMADV shares some steps in common with DMAIC, it is used for Six Sigma projects that create new product or process designs. Using the DMADV Six Sigma model, you would start by defining your design goals. The next step is to measure the required quality characteristics, product or production process capabilities, and associated risks. You would then conduct an analysis of your findings to develop an appropriate solution. After that, you're ready for the design phase of the new product or process. Once the design is complete, you must test it and verify that it works. Following these steps will result in a successful Six Sigma implementation.
Levels of Six Sigma Mastery
Because there are so many facets involved in this methodology, Six Sigma can be a difficult subject to master. That's why there are several different levels of certification available, allowing professionals to develop and hone their Six Sigma expertise in progressive stages.
Your introduction to Six Sigma will usually start with training at the Green Belt level, which enables you to get a handle on the core concepts of Six Sigma and learn how to use the various tools effectively. Once you have a basic understanding of Six Sigma, you can benefit from training that covers the intersection of Six Sigma and Lean strategies. When you've grasped the essentials of Six Sigma and Lean, you're ready to move on to Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training. The ultimate level of expertise is Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, which is a distinction held by Six Sigma champions charged with overseeing other Black Belts.
Master the Concepts and Terminology of Six Sigma 100% Online
Whether you are just starting in Six Sigma or already have some experience in the field, the Six Sigma certificate courses, master certificate programs and certification offered by Villanova University are an excellent choice to increase your mastery of Six Sigma - and they are all available 100% online.
Villanova offers a variety of certificate courses - including Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt - that can be taken on their own or in combination. The courses prepare you for certification as a Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Sensei or Lean Black Belt. And when you complete all three, you'll earn a Master Certificate in Six Sigma. Once you've attained Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, you are eligible to enroll in Villanova's Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt training, which leads to certification as a master among Black Belts.
In addition to the advantages of Villanova's flexible, video-based e-learning platform, you'll also benefit from the prestige that comes with earning your credentials from the university ranked #1 in the Master's category/North region by U.S. News & World Report for nearly two decades.
When you enroll in Six Sigma training through Villanova, you will:
- Learn from expert instructors with extensive experience in the field
- View lectures at your convenience via streaming video, MP4 files or CD-ROM
- Have the opportunity to participate in weekly live interactive sessions
- Complete coursework, tests and certification exams on your schedule, 100% online
- Communicate with classmates and instructors through two-way voice over IP (VOIP), virtual whiteboards, online message boards, live chat and email
- Receive an official certificate of achievement from Villanova University upon completion of each certificate course, plus a master certificate when you finish the three-course program
With convenient online training from Villanova, you can attain increasing levels of Six Sigma mastery - from Green Belt all the way up to Lean Master Black Belt - without interruption to your work or personal responsibilities. Discover for yourself why Villanova is recognized as a leader in the field of Six Sigma - and how you can become one, too.
